How data analytics improves government responsiveness

We talk a lot about open data, IT modernization and evidence-based policymaking but not nearly enough about how data analytics can enable a more efficient and effective government. After all, what is it that resides in those systems we are trying to modernize? Data — and lots of it.

It’s no secret that we’re experiencing massive data growth. Forbes predicts that the digital universe of data will grow to 44 zettabytes (that’s 44 trillion gigabytes) by 2020. Machine-readable is growing 10 times faster than traditional business data. Analytics is extending far beyond data centers to cloud and edge computing, and while much of this growth is driven by consumers via social media, connected devices and smart phones, its application is far broader.